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Ask our travel experts about travel and get answers to reader questions

Q&A: How Much Should We Tip Our Hotel Maid?

Q: My husband and I travel frequently, and we always argue about tipping the hotel room maid. I say $10 for each night, and he argues for $2. What’s your idea of an appropriate tip? Mrs. ELL, Lexington KY

A: It depends on the hotel. If you’re paying $200 or more, a tip of $10 a night is appropriate. If it’s a b&b or other cheap stay, $2 is OK. Of course, if the hotel employee helps you in any way beyond the usual chores, some extra bucks should be tossed in.

Q&A: Best Time To Cross Mexican Border To Tijuana?

Q: We plan to drive from San Diego into the Mexican border city to meet with friends. We’ve heard from recent U.S. visitors who said they had to wait three or four hours to get through the border police hassle. What’s your advice?

A: It’s similar to planning a trip to any big city or airline flight. A crowded time at border stations is any weekday six to eight am and four to 6 pm, when people need to cross in both directions to get to and from daily work.

The most crowded is from about 10 am Saturdays and 6 pm Sundays, when tourist traffic is heaviest. Those hours are often made even slower because of time-consuming security and legality checks on items and people going into the US. Of course, be sure you have all necessary ID with you, and are not taking any banned liquids or other materials.

Q&A: We Enjoy Las Vegas Airport Casino. Are There Others?

Q: We travel frequently, and find airport waits getting longer and more bothersome. However, whenever we go to and depart from Las Vegas, we spend the delay times at the slot machines. Are there any other airports with similar gambling facilities? Jill, Pasadena CA

A: Yes, Amsterdam, Heathrow London and Reno airports have casinos. There are also others within just a short drive from airports, such as the Hard Rock near Ft. Lauderdale. Many airport operators around the world are considering getting into the gambling racket. With ever-growing flight delays and late arrivals, they can get income while passengers enjoy the waiting time.

Q&A: What’s The Difference Between Non-Stop & Direct Flights?

Q: I’m confused and angry. I recently bought a direct flight ticket, thinking it would take me from Boston to Miami in one fast hop. We stopped in Philly, and were delayed for three hours before taking off for Miami, and I missed a family celebration. What did I do wrong? PHR, Newport RI

A: Your error may have been that you bought the cheapest ticket without reading the fine print. Next time, be aware of the difference between direct and non-stop. Direct flights may be cheaper than non-stops, but always have at least one scheduled landing at an in-between airport along the route. It may take just an hour to drop off and pick up passengers, or as with unfortunate you, get complicated by delays and other time-consuming factors.

Q&A: Advice Sites Fudge Truth By Xing Bad Reviews

Q: Before we make travel plans, we check latest customer comments on travel advice websites. We won’t name them, but recently we’ve heard one refused to publish negative reviews and reports of physical dangers to travelers. Do the sites censor complaints because it means lost income to their client hotels, resorts, cruise lines and other travel businesses? Mrs. TLM, London UK

A: Of course, the main incentive for all in the travel industry is to keep tourists and cash coming in. Several years ago, your travel4seniors.com editor awoke after a night in a Las Vegas hotel to finding the bed infected by biting bedbugs.